Daniela Koppe

“I enjoy working at Continental, because I am able to fully apply my strengths in an appealing and innovative work environment”

How did you find us?
My father and my brother work for Continental and have always spoken very positively about the corporation. Through them, I was given the opportunity to take part in a “Girls Day” organized by the training department and to become a bit more familiar with the various different administrative and technical vocational training programs. Then, I applied for a vocational training position in the summer of 2005. After completing the qualifying test and after the job interview, I received a job offer relatively quickly.

What does a typical work day look like for you? Is there such a thing?
Since January 2009, I have a full-time position in the human resources department in project management. I’m especially pleased that my range of responsibilities expanded after my training. Included in my typical range of functions are, for example, preparing and managing various different events and activities as well as maintaining the human resources pages on the Intranet. But, I really can’t say that there is a typical work day. It is rare that I deal with routine tasks.

What functions do you find the most interesting?
For me, the most exciting task deals with the topic “New Work @ Conti”. With this initiative, employees are given the opportunity to take part in different lecture series, informational events, services and activities on various different topics (such as Work-Life Balance).

You completed your vocational training at Continental. Which profession did you train for?
I completed a vocational training program in office communications.

Why did you decide to begin training at Continental?
In my search for the right vocational program for me, I was simply convinced about the benefits of the wide range of topics that were taught in the education program at Continental. In addition to the actual educational curriculum, the information material I received promised that I would be involved in projects, would spend time abroad and would take part in seminars. I was especially thrilled about the idea of working internationally. With close to 190 locations in 35 countries, Continental has plenty to offer in this regard.

How were you supported during your education with Continental?
The training department always provided us with great support. If you feel you have a need to develop yourself further in a particular area, you were always encouraged to discuss this with your trainer. At the very start of the program, we were invited to an initiation week in England. In addition to public speaking seminars, we were trained in how to use MS Office, were given the opportunity to get to know the country’s culture and improve our English skills.

What skills and knowledge should applicants bring with them who are interested in a career at Continental?
The skills you need strongly depend on the profession you are interested in. It is certainly important to be flexible and creative in any department. Good skills of the English language and being open-minded about the world as a whole are critical at a corporation like Continental that operates globally.

What is your opinion on the career opportunities offered at Continental?
Generally, I find the company offers excellent opportunities to advance your career. With us, no one stays in their position any longer than five years. The employees want to and should seek to advance themselves further and be open to new challenges.

What role does teamwork play at Conti? 
Especially in the project management department, teamwork is very important. I continuously need to be able to rely on the collaboration from my colleagues in the various different departments. But also within the department, teamwork is key. Almost every decision is made within the team. Everyone brings their knowledge and skills to the table.

How important is experience abroad? Have you been able to gain this type of experience?
Experience abroad is very important. You don’t really realize just how huge the Group is until you have spent some time at locations abroad. Of course, periods abroad also benefit your own skills in foreign languages. Not to mention just how much these periods enrich your life personally: Living in a different environment benefits your own personal development.
During my training, I completed a four-week internship in Great Britain at the Ebbw Vale location in the quality assurance department. One year later, three other of my colleagues in the training program and I attended a British college for a period of three weeks. The focus there – not to mention the cultural and language experience we gained – was on project management and teamwork.

How do you balance work with leisure time and family?
This balance is especially difficult to manage in the current period of my life. I am completing a study program offered in addition to my job, which takes quite a bit of my time. Yet, after a full day of work, I’m always very proud about how much I’ve accomplished. In addition, the little free time I do have I enjoy much more and more consciously. 

How do you spend your time off?
To balance my office life, I do a lot of sports. I also enjoy relaxing during long walks with friends, for example. I especially savor spending time with my family. That’s why for me it is very important to have dinner with my family on Sunday or to take part in some activity with them on that day.

How do you picture your professional future?
My goal is to become a HR project manager. In order to achieve this goal, I would like to spend time in as many levels as possible in the human resources department. This is the only way that I can get to know the department in-depth with its various different functions and challenges.